2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster (RH975) │First Ride & Review

The face of the legendary Sportster family is changing within the Harley-Davidson lineup. H-D is once again putting the "Sport" back into the Sportsters. The newest member of the new generation of Sportsters in the Nightster and "Instrument of Expression." The name can be traced back to the 2007 air-cooled, Evo Sportster that started the dark custom movement that set a new styling path for H-D. The 2022 Nightster is launched with the Revolution Max 975T engine and weighs in at a low 481 pounds. Matt Laidlaw takes the bike out and goes over all the details and gives us his take.
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[@djp_712]

Dude I love the history lessons before every bike you talk about.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! It takes a lot of time to put those together, I'm glad they're appreciated

[@prawnstar9213]

See I’m not about the history I’m looking for the review of what was in the title of the video and nothing else.

[@clintwoodruff1187]

Dj P - YEAH, it's about 50% imagination, so don't go gettin' all fuzzy about it. If ya want to know what it was really like, just ask a 'grey beard', who's still ridin' the old school stuff. Instead of some guy tryin' to romance you into buyin' some pile of gizzmo's and gadgets, that cost you a fortune. And further, that cost you even a bigger fortune, to maintain and keep runnin' ! While telling you tales of smoky romantic sounding BS whereby you're doin what all the Harley riders of days gone by did... you're not ! It isn't like they're telling ya... never was. It was more like this... On my way home after work. 40 mile ride each way, traffic's heavy. Bike suddenly dies on freeway, and I coast to a stop on the shoulder. Check for gas... Open cap, and yup, got gas. I can fuckin' see it with my eyes, imagine that ! Got a 2" long screwdriver in pocket of my leather... Open up point cover and find points have come apart. Hmm, never saw that before. Just then a faded red and white Electra Glide with beat up old white bags pulls up. Guy asks if I need help and I ask if he's got a set of points in those beautiful old white bags. Just a minute he says and returns with a new set in his hand. 90 seconds later, I poke the kicker, and she thunders to life, and settles into the beautiful 'gallup', that only a well tuned Sportster can at idle. (I lie, even the 'big twins' do that when tuned properly) He's already faded into traffic, and doesn't wait for a thanks. He knows, and so do I. 2 miles later, off Interstate, I walk into the local auto parts house and ask for 'old Chevy points for a straight six cylinder'. Cost is $2.95. Put in my inside pocket of my leather, thinkin' of him. Maybe someday I'll see him again and can return them... probably not. But maybe someone else... who knows?! Scooter is 21 years old, and still sings the song that only a Harley can sing. Lights up my life every time I kick it to life. One to three kicks, and my 'universe gets instantly healed' . Yeah... that makes it all worth it ! 2:00 am, I'm on my way home from friends house. We rebuilt his carburetor tonight. Couple beers, good rock n roll, and a few lies later, he's ready for work tomorrow. Shovel heads... always worth the trouble ! Couple miles from home, a long chopper in ditch, I stop. Bearded dude says he's out of gas. I say shit why didn't you look, and he says, "I forgot, too many beers !" Bitch pack him to my place and grab gas can, hit station down street, back to his bike. As I pull away, I hear him 'heal his universe' . All is well in America tonight. I lay down and fade....... You? You're still awake. You're wondering how the hell you're going to pay the $1875.00 bill to the HD house to get your bike back ! They had to replace a shit load of burnt gidgets n gadgets on that 'pile' you bought thinkin... Hell, who knows what you thought ?! But one thing is sure.. 'your universe' is Not feeling well, and you're sick to your stomach over it. The guy on the video never said it would be like this. Yeah, what's new ?

[@Bikergramp57]

You are STILL the best Harley reviewer on KZbin. Thank you for this.

[@MattLaidlaw]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching.

[@joezednick3197]

I hope they sell a million of them, only to help Harley stay in business. Old schoolers like me won't buy a water cooled Harley Davidson,,no way. Hope they leave the Road King alone!!!!! Best motorcycle on the planet. That "thing" looks like the typical Japanese bike, can't believe it's a Harley. Ocala Fl.

[@JA-zh5xi]

Agree. They made a Honda, but it costs more than a Honda. It’ll be interesting to see who actually wants this.

[@markhenry192]

A bike for the younger crowd perhaps. For me, give me a 48 or an Iron any day. Great review as always Matt. Thanks

[@jayteesgear]

48 will be missed. I still need to grab one at some point

[@motorcycleislife8296]

This makes me love my sportster evo even more.

[@jesusleyva7893]

I've had my nightster for a little over a month now, and as someone coming from riding crotch rockets only, I can wholeheartedly say this bike did not miss its mark. Matt, love the video explaining the history and extensive details. Truly let's me appreciate my bike that much more.

[@erniecorvinusdiaz460]

brom same here. I've only ridden sportsbikes but looking for a second bike for long rides. would you recommend this one?

[@peterwilson8039]

Would you characterize this as a cruiser, or a sport-oriented upright naked.

[@genegoodwin8925]

The old air cooled Sportster has been around since 1957, it was time to update or die. I think Harley Davidson did an amazing job with the new 975 Nighster. I am OLD (70) and have to ride a Tri-Glide due to my wife's many health issues (she's battled cancer eight times and walks with a walker).But if I could I believe I would really enjoy the new 975 NIghtster. I would add the "Long Haul" package along with a luggage rack and round leather top bag for the rack and passenger floor boards for my wife. The floor boards make it easier for her to climb on the passenger seat, I still have to help her, but the floorboards help. There are a few things about the Nightster that seem strange to me. Number one the starter button. I've been thumbing a starter button since the 60's and I think the starter button should be on the lower part of the four way flasher button. Number two, the way the seat rises to fill the fuel tank. Most riders mount and dismount on the left side of a motorcycle. It seems to me if the seat was hindged on the right side of the motorcycle instead of the left side the seat would flip up out of the way when refueling. The way it is now the seat is in the way and you have to drag the fuel hose over the seat then down to the filler cap. I just think it would be easier and simplier to hindge the seat on the right side. Number three, the bar end mirriors. I've been riding since the 60's and I know how to adjust mirrors to get a good view of whats behind me. I've worked hard all my life, changing semi tires, farm tractor tires, picking up railroad track for a living, so I have fairly broad shoulders and could always adjust mirrors for a good view of whats behind me. Number four, the muffler. I know they kept the muffler high on the bike for ground clearence but if it were just an inch and half lower it would provide a lot better position for the passenger foot pegs and make it much more comfortable. All this being said, I still love the new 975 NIghtster. I've had a couple Heritages and really like them, but they are slow. I think the 975 Nightster would be a hoot on the backroads. I never needed ride modes either. If I want to rip around I just gear down. If it is raining I've got enough common sense NOT to rip around. Like I said before, I've been riding for a long time. My wife and I have traveld almost 400,000 miles since the ealry 90's. One more thing, I've had more fun on a smaller bike than I ever had on a large one. Love to have a new Nightser 975. Thanks for the video.

[@4wdiesels]

Wow Matt, your video quality has just shot up several notches in the past few months. These reviews by you have been terrific. I even see you mentioned in the comments section of official Harley Davidson's channel. People are complaining that their videos suck and are too short & vague and others are telling those people to check out Matt Laidlaws reviews! Great job.

[@davidgesell]

This video is done so well! I feel like i'm watching a full blown documentary on Harley Davidson. For someone who's a beginner and doesn't know much about Harley, this was very informative. I love the direction Harley has taken with the loss of all the chrome, big fenders, etc. Thankyou!

[@kazimirjinkins1516]

Great review, lots of useful information as usual. Love the history lesson at the start to establish the narrative of the review. The photography is next tier which is what I’ve come to expect from this channel. Thank you!

[@chrisbolton5461]

Top review of the new Nightster. The only video I've seen which references the old Nightster and recognises what an important bike that was and then successfully flags up the new and sets that into perspective. Well done.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you!

[@RevJay_Rides]

I watch so many of these. Law Abiding Biker being one of the other channels, among many. Each has their strengths and I enjoy them all or I wouldn’t watch them. Even so, I always feel your vids are so thorough yet simple enough for anybody to understand. Always enjoy your vids, man. I’m excited for this new Nightster’s potential and what it offers to draw new people to Harley.

[@1genuine_g619]

I agree, the history you put in your videos is awesome. Solid review!

[@daemon9737]

Another fantastic video and review. Really appreciate your insight as you know these bikes extremely well and always give great info and an honest opinion. Thanks Matt!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! Thanks for watching. It’s always good to hear people get good “take away” info from them.

[@tjs201971]

Thank you Matt!!! Love the Nightster 975!!! Cool bike !! Can not wait for the future of the revolutionary max!

[@carlito3624]

That opening was incredible! You really are an amazing storyteller/ historian/ videographer.

[@MATTTHEGREETER]

Awesome vid Matt, as usual. I can't wait to see one of these in person. I saw my first Sportster S on the road here in the Boston area and I turned all the way around in my seat. Those things are great in person! Keep up the good work brother

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you sir. Yea, the Sportster S is pretty radical looking.

[@MotorheadRedo]

Still wish Harley had upgraded the air cooled push rod Evolution engine. Made it a 6 speed with more power to handle the taller gearing and improved the frame with a longer wheel base and lighter weight and better center of gravity. Kept the overall styling and sound of the classic Sportster. I guess I'm different than most riders because the high revving and high HP and torque doesn't appeal to me at all.

[@kevinh310racer6]

Outstanding video Matt!!!! So much quality information, we appreciate.the hard work, time and effort you put into these videos from your friends "310 Racing Crew"

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment and support. Thanks Kevin!

[@georgearevalo781]

Dig this channel..THE BEST...ALWAYS GREAT STUFF MAN

[@baddriver3580]

I'd LOVE to ride one through the Tail of the Dragon! I like the look of the new Sportster Nightster but I still Love the old Sportster! Great video Matt

[@mickeygaines007]

That would carve up the Dragon for sure! I took my Fat Boy through there and for sure clunky but still fun!

[@irakli9604]

Some history background is always very useful! Keep doing it Matt

[@byron8443]

I miss riding man nothing like a good rumble with just you and the road. Beautiful bike Matt

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yes sir. 👍🏼 thanks for checking it out.

[@percentage1]

Thank you Matt excellent participation really appreciate the knowledge .

[@adarngoodjoe4043]

I always like the, "How Harley got to where they are," intros in your videos. The story behind "something" always makes "the something" more appreciable. The same can be said about Harley. I'm still waiting for a Bronx like bike from Harley. Thus far, I think the Pan America is the only bike Harley makes with a true standard riding position (upright back, with feet under hips in a seated postion). I also hope the M8 sticks around for as long as possible. It's my only experience with Harley but it's a good engine for sure.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you. Glad to hear people are enjoying the intros. 👍🏼 I’m sure HD will be using the rev max to build some more cool stuff in the future.

[@geraldsweeten509]

I’ve been subscribed since 50k Matt’s content has gotten so good!!!! I hate voice over but Matt dose it so good I have to watch lol. 🔥

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! Since 50k? Much appreciation brother. Thank you. Hopefully my voice delivery doesn’t put you to sleep.

[@jeffdavis5723]

@@MattLaidlaw *It doesn’t **#Matt**. Lol* 😆😂🤣😜

[@JohnSmith-de2mz]

I'm a long time HD owner, first bike was a 74 Sportster then a Shovel now have a 95 inch hot rod 03 Dyna. I went to Maui HD and test rode a Nightster out of curiosity. Huge difference in the torque right off of idol but get it spinning and it really takes off and the sitting position is almost the same as my mid control Dyna. I liked it. Not going to trade my Dyna but I did like it

[@ronlind1757]

Great review Matt! Started out on a 1977 1000cc iron head Sportster. Loved it!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice! Iconic Harley!

[@4evervigilant8]

Always a fan of your reviews.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you!

[@michaelsisk5938]

I just bought one today. A blast to ride!

[@RyanUrlacher]

Great hangin, ridin' and chillin' with you in Santa Barbara, Matt. Hope to ride again soon with you. Great vid!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks Ryan. It was good to finally meet you and go for a ride 🤘🏼 Hopefully our paths cross again soon.

[@RyanUrlacher]

@@MattLaidlaw 👍 👍 👍

[@quomofo1]

Awesome video as always Matt, your production value is on another level!! Man I test drove the Revolution engine in the Sportster S and the power is insane and ALWAYS there. If they ever make a bike that looks like the Street Bob but has the Revolution engine I will definitely buy one! They just need to make it a more traditional looking engine.

[@quomofo1]

@OfficialMattLaidlaw SCAM…..

[@kirksebts]

Epic video!🤙🏽 Great camera views!🤓

[@RJ-uq5sy]

Matt you never disappoint ! Still the best Harley Davidson channel on KZbin ! IMO seems like the RevMax engine put the sport back in "Sport"ster . 🤔

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you sir. I appreciate you checking out the video and for your input

[@MarcEstrella]

Listened to this on my way home from work , your videos are rad

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! Thanks for watching.

[@fps636]

Covered ALL the bases as usual. Excellent presentation on HD's newest WINNER.

[@recklessrt]

Matt great video as per usual. I just absolutely love how you salute Harley's past and then how you trace Harley's lineage forward to the present day, Nightster bike. I'm glad to see Harley advancing with the times. The Nightster is a needed addition. Let's face it the Evo is just dated. That said - I have a 2017 XL1200CX Roadster with a Stage IV Kit and Bassani Road Rage 2 to 1 exhaust. That thing just rips and it works just fine on the interstate. The gearing appears to be wider than the traditional Sportsters, as you pointed out in your review of that bike. So I'll keep my 2017 Stage IV Roadster with upgraded shocks, and I think it's better than the new Nightster especially in the looks department. Keep up all the great reviews and I'm still looking forward to the new Bronx.

[@recklessrt]

@@OfficialMattLaidlaw Like I believe that - Laidlaw's isnt running any contests. 🤣🤣🤣

[@bigjoe6814]

Looked at this last Saturday…wow it really is a good looking bike , yes agree with you Matt left hand side is not the best side with the wiring loom and pipes all over the place but the overall look when your right up close is very good..I think this could be a winner for my wife who struggled with her 48 but did not like the height and cc of the 750 street,the 3 ride modes keeping this simple is a good move in my opinion..less is more..lookin forward to test riding this bike..

[@MattLaidlaw]

Right on man. Thanks for the comment. I think it could be a winner for your wife. Good luck with everything

[@bigjoe6814]

Had the test ride Saturday and was very impressed with this 975..light , nimble, easy to throw about and very light Rain mode..ideal for my wife who is still a little nervous after not really getting on with the 48 sporty she had,this is very mild but still has enough grunt to get you up to speed but in a mild way Road mode.. get it up in the revs and man this shifts ,easy on the throttle at low revs and quite mild ..but crack it open and your gone for a course Sport mode..it’s a little thug….boy did I have fun on this.. Overall cracking bike with good handling,good stopping power and with three modes you sorta have three bikes..only things that didn’t do it for me are the mirrors hanging off the end of the bars just not my thing…go ride one

[@bigjoe6814]

Well she purchased one Saturday…hopefully we will pick it up this weekend..

[@sl4305]

Great video! I test rode the Nightster and feel the same way as you. The power to weight ratio evens out the playing field with the Scout as far as performance goes, and the Nightster can handle the twisties better than the Scout. I still have a soft spot for my Stage IV Iron for the raw feel it gives me, but the Nightster is great bike.

[@humbleservant1294]

Looks like a copy of the Rogue

[@jiripastrnak1936]

This would be great second bike to add to my road glide special . Especially in hot Vegas summers just riding around town… I test rode the sportster S while back and kinda loved it lol. This thing needs freedom performance combat exhaust and done🤷‍♂️

[@Prairie_Barbarian]

Just realized the new fuel tank dangles back there like a bull's nutsack lol

[@thomasangelo4219]

Really good looking motorcycle sports does come a long way Thank you for the video take care

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for watching.

[@GoGoggansGo]

Great bike but not competitive at that price. It either needs 10-15 more or come in at 11k Just my two cents

[@MattLaidlaw]

What bikes are most competitive? Just curious

[@turaly0n]

@@MattLaidlaw I'd buy a scout before i bought one of these. more power. more torque. slightly heavier. cheaper price tag. plus imo looks way better.

[@toecutter786]

@@turaly0n The scout has the ugliest frame/sidecover combo in motorcycling history. It's like one group designed the front half, and another the back half. Would rather take the bus.

[@jayteesgear]

Scouts sound masculine and look more masculine. This bike shoukd be $9k. Sporster S is just a joke

[@toecutter786]

@@jayteesgear Scout is ugly. I see nothing masculine in a pretender beta bike. Can't look away from that horrible frame/sidecover area, just hideous. Polaris will drop the Indian like they did Victory when the sales figures don't work for them. Polaris is a leisure products manufacturer not a motorcycle company. Polaris is the brown leather jacket of motorcycling.

[@fps636]

OMG! The knuckles, panheads, shovels, and evos. I just watched a video and the guy said the heads on these new revolution motors look like "PARKING METERS." Holy smokes, I think the Rev is a Parking Meter for life!

[@bfarm44]

I don’t feel it’s overpriced Harley has built something to bring me back into the showroom and make a decision

[@mindspinn311]

This is great. I’m happy to see HD make this bike, but I still want the Bronx. I’m somewhat surprised that they didn’t try to hide the radiator in the way Triumph did on the Bonneville by making it vertical. Maybe it wouldn’t work with the lack of frame rails.

[@adamdmi5752]

Another milestone... Dreaming about Buell Firebolt with this engine...

[@catfishkonawa]

Great review but don't know what to think... is this a good move or a bad one? Is HD going to move everything to rev max? It seems like a fun bike but its not what i think of when i think harley.

[@MattLaidlaw]

It will be interesting. I like the Rev Max along side a traditional Harley motor like the M8. As long as the core bikes are built on something like the M8 we are good. The rev MAx is a beast for some of the other genres of motorcycle

[@wickedmetalclown]

Well they did just announce the cancellation of the 48, so slowly they are changing the sportys over I think. I’m really hoping the 883 doesn’t go too. If they both go but they bring back the 72 with the evo I’ll be ok lol

[@Moonrakerd]

you meet the nicest people on a harley :D

[@MattLaidlaw]

Haha

[@hutch814]

I remember testing a sporster 48 1200cc while my night rod special was being worked on and it was very underwhelming. Twist the throttle and it just shook more than it went almost to the point of it being dangerous on the freeway. I couldn't give them that thing back fast enough. This new lineup seems fun and has respectable power.

[@stevem4783]

Well, to be fair, you're talking about a bike with literally half the horsepower (and way less rear tire/stability) than your NRS so yeah I can understand why you'd hate it on the freeway. Not exactly the 48's strength. Still though yeah, the Nightster is much more highway friendly with the RevMax's powerband and the 6th gear, but it's still not the sweet spot for it. That bike gives up ballpark 180-200lbs and a big difference in tire contact to your NRS so it's not gonna handle those high winds as well.

[@elithegreat6463]

One of the most "Soulless" Bikes I ever seen, The SportsterS is close behind.

[@pagefella]

Good job filming how the bike looks driving down the road. Not just the POV shots.👍

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks 👍I had some professional help shooting this one.

[@martymcfly1776]

I just saw an ad for the Nightster in Canada and they were asking $18.8k for it. (Canadian money of course). We all know that out-the-door price will be much higher. My first comparison was the Suzuki GSXS 1000 for $13k. I'd probably go that direction. It's much faster, better looking and almost certainly better engineered. But wait, the GSXS 1000 makes about 150 hp and that's nuts. I don't need that. So I could go for the GSXS 750 which would still be plenty fast enough for me, and is just around $11k. But wait - The GSXS 750 is still more than I need or want, and Suzuki has just announced their new GSXS 8, which is a twin cylinder bike at just over 750 cc. It will be lighter, cheaper, and torquier, which should give it better real world power, at least in the urban environment. Now the GSXS 8 is a direct competitor for the upcoming Honda Hornet which is also a 750cc twin. I think the Hornet might be the perfect bike for me. Pricing in Canada has yet to be announced but the word is that Honda intends to price it very aggressively. I'm guessing that means it will be priced similar to Yamaha's MT-07 which is about $9k in Canada. One might argue that a Honda Hornet is not a fair comparison to a Nightster, (at twice the price I don't think so either.) To try to find something more comparable to the Nightster I expanded my search a bit. I see the Nightster as a sporty upright naked, so I looked at what might be considered premium upright naked bikes in a similar performance category. Triumph Bonnevilles top out at under $16k. Similar bikes from BMW are less expensive. In fact, list on a BMW F900R in Canada is $10.5k, which actually might compete well with the Honda Hornet. The most expensive Ducati Monster, the SP is similar to the Nightster at $18.3k, but the bare bones Monster is only $14.3k. The closest comparable Moto Guzzi is the V85TT, a bargain at just $14k. Based on this the Nightster isn't going to be on my personal short list for the next time I go motorcycle shopping. (Keep in mind that these are all Canadian prices and based on the exchange rate and other realities of the Canadian market, they should be 30% to 40% higher than American prices for the same model.).

[@UKFlamesey]

48X with the 1250T and the sat nav etc please

[@USAonHarley]

Awesome as always… 🤘🏼😝🤘🏼

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you

[@jeffreyengle2762]

Glad I got mine in 2019…. Nice Honda you got there.

[@1wesleydb]

I'm glad HD is making some different models especially for budget and new riders. I think HD lost a lot of the market when they quit making dirtbikes and stuff for young people, I'm pulling for Harley Davidson though and I hope this Revmax engine will help get more people riding.

[@jsanch7]

Perfect sized bike for you Matt!

[@MattLaidlaw]

🤣yup

[@DTMFJeff]

Test rode the S last year in Sturgis, holy crap that thing is scary fast.

[@kevinmacwatters1519]

Your riding footage is normally great, the footage for this video is awesome

[@MattLaidlaw]

I had help from professionals. It won’t always be this good. Haha.

[@trex860]

ALL those older Harleys are so damn cool looking.

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Like always great video Matt! 👊🏼😎 lt’s a cool looking bike definitely different then traditional Harley. I can see me getting one to commute to work. Don’t see me trading in my 16FLSS Or my 18FLHTK lol.. But I like! dude I need to plan a little road trip up highway 33 Twisties look cool and not far from the I.E... Thanks for sharing Matt!! See you at The Born Free Show! 🤘🏻😁

[@fourftr]

Matt my wife says I have “A.D.D.” LOL! but your videos keep my attention beginning to the end. You lost your calling you should of been a Professor teaching history at a trade school. As usual great video and great detail

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! I can’t be a teacher. The only think I know a lot about is Harley’s! Haha.

[@PkwyDrive13]

Yeah...I started late. Got a 2017 883 2 year's ago and learned on it, but after just 4 months I traded it in for a 2016 Dyna Lowrider S, which I am still riding now. Didn't enjoy the iron 883 for long lol

[@frednouvertne4216]

Is there a cooling fan on the radiator? My 2016 NRS VRSCDX has had one of the 2 fans fail on a trip through the south. However, electrical issues can occur on a brand new bike, then nothing after thousands of miles.

[@factualreflection8952]

Hey Matt, Ive been hearing complaints about the rear header by the CAT being hot beyond normal and causing a nuisance to consider. Did you experience this and if so what were your thoughts on it?

[@Firestorm637]

Motor looks modern and beautiful

[@ethanwolf1964]

Can someone explain the random bolt/screw in the exhaust? It’s not attached to anything and not exactly sure why it on there. It has the spots to hold it to the bike, but why is there another one? What is it for or do for the bike?

[@williamwintemberg]

I really wish this bike could have the 1250 as an option. Love the look. I would really like to test ride one. I really like the hydraulic valves as it can save many dollars over time.

[@mickeygaines007]

If it does well they will probably offer the 1250 in it soon! Looks like an amazing bike!

[@sportsterrider2087]

Matt I am getting up there in age and my only concern about trading in my 2017 Roadster is I love how stable the freeway speed is on my Roadster. I did upgrade the rear shocks to a 13 inch Fox and love the ride over my 883 Iron. How does the Nightster compare with the Roadster?

[@novakoski1976]

Great video. Regards from Brazil.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

LONG LIVE THE TWIN CAM AND EVO they sound soooooo good. My M8 even with a big cam and catless headers etc etc doesn’t sound 1/10th as dope and loud as my last bike (a 2009 Fatboy .. 96cu in .. just a set of cheap ass VH slip ons .. deafening loud. Shook the ground under my feet if I was standing next to it when I’d start it up and let it idle for a min. They got that chop without having to do 2k of motor work. And an evo 1200 with some shorties (full Exhaust).. BEST bike sound on the planet

[@chuperoraculo9301]

First bike im getting... I am between this Nightster and Indian FTR. Any recs? Great video btw

[@ae5zd]

Does the Nightster have similar issues with valvetrain noise that plague the PanAm and Sportster S?

[@luke1463]

I sat on one in person today, great feel and looks much better in the flesh than photos. I think the radiator is fine, in a way I think it’s true to the Sportster Ethos: this is what bikes need now to go fast, we aren’t hiding the mechanical components… But… In Australia, these are $23k… for the same money you can buy a Ducati Supersport S… which is just as comfortable but looks nicer and will probably smoke this everywhere…

[@vakko7734]

I like 48 looks for me allweys awesome 👌

[@theepicgamerultimate4831]

I currently own a 2020 XL1200CX Roadster. I would like the new Nightster, but it has 2 styling cues I don't like. My biggest peeve I can't stand is that soli seat look, second is that slammed down low rear tire. Every time I visit my dealership in Alabama they ask if I'm ready for a big twin. I reply the Roadster like the I'll fated Cafe Racer if the 70s is the only bike that draws me to the showroom. I'm 66 years old and have been riding since the 70s. This is my 3rd Harley..Did own a Superglide back in 04, I prefer the Sportster.

[@sneakysgarage2412]

Yea it’s always nice having more power and better handling, time will tell if it sells to hd riders. Like my old 03 sportster though.

[@Justin-tp3lr]

Is there a big price difference between colors?

[@steve-wu7jp]

If the custom shops find a way to clean up the plastic and wires it’s gonna be a home run

[@Badgerbiker]

Time will tell how the depreciation is on this bike. Like you said, many people bought the 883 only to return it 6 months later and trade it for a soft tail or bigger. IMO the 883 was a little more reasonably priced because, like you said, it is time tested, high numbers produced and ease of customization. Now you have newer technology and R&D money to recover, plus, say what you want, when the motor is part of the frame you are limited on traditional customization options and if people find out this bike is also a little less bike than they wanted, it may not be as easy to trade back in and still retain as much % of original value in 6 months. I think it will be a good choice for someone new to motorcycles and Harley-Davidson, however I doubt the long term Harley Fans and owners will take to this design. I personally am a big Harley Fan and own a couple, one being a 1993 883, which I love the sound of. Personally, I can’t stand the sound of the Rev Max engine. It’s sounds like a Honda twin star with loose valve train. I’ve rode the Pan America and Sportster S and yes they have a ton of power but I am more about the sound. That much power will only get me in trouble with the law. Been there done that. Great Video as always Matt!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for the comment. Well, hopefully you will still be able to get that Harley appeal from a Milwaukee 8 engine in the future.

[@jeffdavis5723]

*Good review, thanks **#Matt**.*

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you sir. Thanks for checking it out

[@jeffdavis5723]

@@MattLaidlaw *Yeah I watch your channel all the time **#Matt**.*

[@ernieme101]

great review , still not sure i could get beyond the radiator and the ugly exhaust . doesn't sound like a Harley either . but i'm clearly not the target market and wouldn't even be looking at the Nightster as a purchase except as a second fun bike . seems like it really pushes all the buttons it was meant to so for the right person it's a winner .

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for the honest opinion.

[@steve-wu7jp]

Does Harley do test rides at Dealerships? To my knowledge only Ducati and BMW allow test rides in the USA. I’d love to test the nightster

[@RoadieWingZZ]

Great video overview of the newest Harley entry. Not my cup of tea as a 6’-2” rider, but might be fun as an around-towner. Not a fan of the high revving motor as it now sounds like every other metric twin on the market. Only time will tell if it’s got Harley “soul”.

[@MattLaidlaw]

True. We will see

[@MaaZeus]

The bikes with Harley soul are not going anywhere. These are not for us but for the younger performance oriented cruiser drivers. To be able to compete with the likes of Indian Scout and Honda Rebel 1100 the liquid cooled Nightster and Sportster (and overall lighter bikes) are a necessity. An air cooled torque heavy long stroke engines, as cool as they sound and feel, simply cannot compete with high revving short stroke engines. Thats just physics.

[@mickeygaines007]

Very true. The 45 degree push rod v-twins aren’t going away soon as some of the fear mongerers think! HD will keep losing share to Indian and others if they don’t catch up on some things. I can see HD putting a larger version of the RevMax in a few Softail and touring models but don’t worry, the clunky torquey 45 degree v-twin isn’t going away soon! It will be there for those who want it!

[@slyguyaction]

Love the Evo in my 2013 Sportster 72 but this new engine is exciting. Great review Matt!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Sportster Evos will go down in history as one of the greatest engines but....it's time

[@erinh9660]

Would this be a good first bike. I’m new and currently looking for my first.

[@Stevel_]

No, haha. You want to drop a 15k bike? because you will. Get a 10 year old metric/UJM cruiser or old Sportster 883 for 1-2 summers. Those are good first bikes that you won't cry over when you inevitably drop them.

[@mikelbegartziatua5195]

nice review. And nice looking bike (the left-hand side could use some better design), nice mix of traditional and modern. Love the look of that bikini fairing. What size is it? Wonder if you could use it in the LRS. What do you think, Matt? keep up the good work. best!

[@MattLaidlaw]

I probably should have commented on the fairing more. That’s a good question. I really don’t know if it can be bolted up to the low rider S. I would guess that it isn’t an easy plug and play

[@mikelbegartziatua5195]

@@MattLaidlaw thanks a lot, Matt! I hope there's a (not too complicated) way. The Nightster fairing certainly looks the part, it may not be any improvement in wind deflection over the LRS fairing but, IMHO, it looks much much better.

[@delgande]

Matt is right. Spec wise, the new nighster stared blows with Indian and Triumph. Only issue is that the Triumph Bobber is way sexier

[@ocglide2566]

Love the sportster History, I had an AMF ERA Sporty when I was in High School, broke down all the time but I wish I had kept it. This bike is just too big for you Matt you need to get a smaller bike. LOL

[@ksheridan]

At least this bike has better rear suspension travel than the sportster s that is let down with only 37mm of travel . I hope they put the 1250 engine in this chassis even though as it is the power to weight ratio is higher on this bike than the softail range I also hope they bring out the bronx. I was going to buy the sportster s but because of the suspension I'm going for this instead.

[@ericknapp3114]

wonder what the longevity of this engine will be if you’re constantly running it at high rpm all the time?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Because of the water cooling it has tighter tolerances and doesn’t have to operate in such a wide range of temperatures like the M8. If it doesn’t have good longevity it won’t be because it’s higher revving

[@talkingrock7011]

Great bike for a different rider than me , the S model would be my choice

[@wooddawg4868]

The biggest thing for me is the technology that’s involved in the revolution platform which leads to a major question which is: How big and powerful does a motorcycle engine need to be for power and enjoyment? The new nighster has 90hp, the Sportster S has 121hp, and the Pan America has 150hp with a slim look, three hole oil fill and drain, ride modes, OHV, no pushrods and most all all liquid cooling. HD can’t continue making air cooled bikes with their labor intensive nature. I am excited to see what the touring model Revolution Max stats will be. I think the touring model Revolution Max will be 175hp with 130 pounds of torque minimum.

[@mickeygaines007]

It probably won’t be long before we are seeing technology like this in at least some Softail and touring models. They will probably keep the old pushrod 45 degree VTwins forever for those who are stuck in the past. So they won’t go all in on liquid cooled on everything for the foreseeable future but I can see at least a few Softail/Touring models having a version of this engine in the next 5 years.

[@baggerbuley]

Are the riding modes new with the new engine?

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

HD built a Honda. Man.. I do hope these revolution bikes do well though so the MoCo can keep making the stuff the old guard loves and will never give up. The liquid cool bikes are better in every measurable way. But there is NOTHING like riding a big ass air cooled American 🇺🇸 motorcycle. I absolutely ADORE my FLHR. And loved my Fatboy. In the future I’d love to do a softail Cholo build for light cruising duty and to have something that’s got some more gangster attitude. I love that style.. but don’t want to go too far into that on the road king bc that bike gets a ton of use and my back is messed up (funny thing is that it’s prob the only place I can sit for an extended period of time and not have my lower back act up. Currently OEM seat and bars. Wanna do some 14s tho .. they’re keep the good posture and won’t kill the ergonomics.. will prob make the ergonomics better even) I’ve not ridden one of these rev max bikes yet .. I doubt they give that feeling of riding an “old” Push rod HD.. it’s not just the feeling of riding a bike .. it goes beyond that. They make u feel like you’re living a dream.. how many ppl here dreamed of owning and riding a big ass HAWG (GOBBLESS).. makes u feel like the baddest mofo on the planet. And feel like connected to a piece of history. For me.. motorcycle IS Harley Davidson. Others are just bikes

[@StanfordC95120]

Great insights Matt. I'd say this is the perfect bike for a woman, beginner or experienced. 90 HP is a nice number and the modes are a big advantage over the old Sporty.

[@furiousgtz]

Good looking bike. Good motor. Sounds different. Curious to see if anyone is going to give up their 48 or 883/1200 for this one.

[@A-FrameWedge]

I have heard it with a 2 Brothers exhaust and it sounds much better than the stock exhaust

[@ericiglesias4313]

They made a baby VRod, I like it but id like if it came with upside down forks and dual discs brakes. Cant get it all but ill keep my Night rod special. Best bike harley built to date 😬

[@sportify4849]

Is there coming an adventure Bike with the 975ccm which is lighter and lower than the Pan America?